Several months ago a story went around the school that a green octopus once terrorized the students and teachers at SMS. During a winter snowstorm, a gigantic cephalopod climbed on top of the building and hurled broccoli at passing plows. The students and teachers in the school were terrified that the great weight of this giant creature was going to cause the roof to cave in. Help could not reach the school because of the blizzard like conditions and snow covered roads.
The truth of the matter is that a small green octopus has called SMS its home for nearly half a century. This rare creature lives in the stream that acts as a natural border between the school and residential properties.
Appearance
The Green Octopus is quite small, it could fit in the palm of your hand with all 8 legs stretched. Its name describes its coloring, depending on the season the creature can a bright, almost neon green (summer), or a deep forest green (winter). When frightened, the skin tone changes to further blend into the environment. Its small size allows it move quickly through the water.
The Green Octopus is related to the Oklahoma Octopus. The only reason our local creature has not grown to such a large size is because its container (the stream) is smaller than the Oklahoma lakes. There is some debate as to how dangerous the Green Octopus truly is. There have been reports of small animal skeletons appearing along the stream bed. There have also been unconfirmed reports of slime trails in the homes and school near the stream. These reports tend to accompany reports of missing items: keys, pens, homework and sometimes small pets.
Habitat
This octopus is a freshwater creature. It eats algae that grows on rocks.
Predators
Large fish, hawks and people are the most dangerous predators.
Cultural Impact
The Green Octopus has created a small tourist industry for the town. Scientists, researchers and the curious come from near and far to catch a glimpse of this creature. Local artisans have crafted wares to sell as souvenirs and mementos.
The local Girl Scouts may look a little different in Greenwich (see photo, right). In 1972 the local service unit voted to make the Green Octopus the official uniform of all scouts. In addition to earning badges, the girls earn "8 Legs of Service" as they complete community service projects.
Businesses, such as the Octopus Car Wash on South Main Street, owe their livelihood to this little creature. Mr. Smith, the owner since 1938, retooled the standard car wash machinery to give the appearance of a giant green octopus cleaning the car. Mr. Smith opened the car wash in October 1938 at the age of 41. Falling on hard times, he decided to convert his front lawn into a business opportunity. The lure of the Green Octopus, and his unique car wash machinery, have proven to be a lucrative business model.
Several months ago a story went around the school that a green octopus once terrorized the students and teachers at SMS. During a winter snowstorm, a gigantic cephalopod climbed on top of the building and hurled broccoli at passing plows. The students and teachers in the school were terrified that the great weight of this giant creature was going to cause the roof to cave in. Help could not reach the school because of the blizzard like conditions and snow covered roads.
The truth of the matter is that a small green octopus has called SMS its home for nearly half a century. This rare creature lives in the stream that acts as a natural border between the school and residential properties.
Appearance
The Green Octopus is quite small, it could fit in the palm of your hand with all 8 legs stretched. Its name describes its coloring, depending on the season the creature can a bright, almost neon green (summer), or a deep forest green (winter). When frightened, the skin tone changes to further blend into the environment. Its small size allows it move quickly through the water.The Green Octopus is related to the Oklahoma Octopus. The only reason our local creature has not grown to such a large size is because its container (the stream) is smaller than the Oklahoma lakes. There is some debate as to how dangerous the Green Octopus truly is. There have been reports of small animal skeletons appearing along the stream bed. There have also been unconfirmed reports of slime trails in the homes and school near the stream. These reports tend to accompany reports of missing items: keys, pens, homework and sometimes small pets.
Habitat
This octopus is a freshwater creature. It eats algae that grows on rocks.Predators
Large fish, hawks and people are the most dangerous predators.Cultural Impact
The Green Octopus has created a small tourist industry for the town. Scientists, researchers and the curious come from near and far to catch a glimpse of this creature. Local artisans have crafted wares to sell as souvenirs and mementos.The local Girl Scouts may look a little different in Greenwich (see photo, right). In 1972 the local service unit voted to make the Green Octopus the official uniform of all scouts. In addition to earning badges, the girls earn "8 Legs of Service" as they complete community service projects.
Citations
SMS History Book